Ag Damhsa le Chéile

Published on Thursday, March 19th, 2015 at 11:47 am

Some of the Gaelscoil na nDéise teachers taking part in Ag Damhsa Le Chéile.

Teachers, the school principal, parents, grandparents, past pupils and even some current pupils of Gaelscoil na nDéise will take to the floor at the Tower Hotel on Sunday, 15th March, ‘Ag Dhamsa le Chéile’ in aid of the school’s new building at Carrickphierish.

Organised by parents’ committee Cairde na Scoile, Ag Damhsa le Chéile will feature 15 couples who have been rehearsing for the past six weeks in everything from Irish dancing to cha cha, jive and waltzing. Aside from staff and parents, the hard-working members of Cairde na Scoile have also roped in well-known faces from the local musical and sports scenes.

“One of our committee members, Melanie Quinlan, brought the idea to us as a way to raise funds for the new school”, explained chairperson Levena Fitzgerald. “When we approached the Board of Management and staff we got a great reception. So then we managed to rope in a couple of Mount Sion hurlers, Austin Gleeson, Ricky Freeman. We also have Damien Squell Walsh, Pat Grant and Dawn Threadgold, who teaches Irish dancing at the school, while Dee Lannigan and Martin O’Connor will be MCing on the night. Local choreographers Sharon and Ger have been putting us through our paces and we’ve managed to source fantastic costumes, even the men will be sparkling.”

Despite the blood, sweat and tears, a lot of fun has been had during the many rehearsals, according to school principal Marc de Grás.

“Even though there are a number of us with bruises, strained muscles and stiff joints, we are delighted with the way things are progressing. Quite a number of us were dubious at the outset but we soon got into the hang of it and I don’t think there’s anyone who’s regretting signing up. It’s been a great way of meeting new people and getting to know other members of the school community better, with the best aspect being the simple fun and enjoyment of it all.”

All proceeds from the event will go towards resources for the new school building at Carrickphierish, which is now nearing completion. “The funds raised will ensure the children have the very best facilities and resources we can provide for them but it’s much more than that”, Marc continued. “It’s a great opportunity for the school community to come together and celebrate this significant milestone in the school’s history.

“A massive amount of work and effort has gone into this event. The parents, staff and volunteers who are involved have literally put hours upon hours of their own time into this and we are ever so grateful to them all. Everyone in the school community always works collaboratively for the children and I think this is something very special that exists and has always existed in Gaelscoil na nDéise.”